Allan Martin
Allan Jeffery Martin (born 11 December 1948) is a former Aberavon RFC and Welsh international rugby union player. He was noted for his long distance goal-kicking.
Having received his education at Sandfields Comprehensive school in Port Talbot Martin was capped at lock in every schoolboy age group by his country.
His hometown club Aberavon RFC were quick to recognise his size and lineout talents and quickly nurtured him into their ranks in the late 1960s under the "protection" of Billy Mainwaring, a fellow Welsh International.
Martin was first capped against Australia in 1973 along with his Aberavon team mate Clive Shell. He went on to form the back bone of the successful Welsh team of the 1970s forming a partnership with Geoff Wheel of Swansea RFC. Martin was a proficient goal kicker and his kicks often assisted Wales during this time.
In 1977 he toured New Zealand one of three players from Aberavon - outside half John Bevan and prop Clive Williams being the others. In 1980 he toured South Africa with the British Lions.
In 1979, piqued at being passed over for selection as Captain of Aberavon RFC, he briefly joined Llanelli RFC on a pre-season tour to South Africa before having a change of heart and returning to his former club. He never played a home game for Llanelli. Martin played a short spell for Penarth RFC prior to retiring.
Following his retirement from playing he had a brief, and unsuccessful, spell as coach at Aberavon RFC, ultimately being sacked after a string of poor results.
Having received his education at Sandfields Comprehensive school in Port Talbot Martin was capped at lock in every schoolboy age group by his country.
His hometown club Aberavon RFC were quick to recognise his size and lineout talents and quickly nurtured him into their ranks in the late 1960s under the "protection" of Billy Mainwaring, a fellow Welsh International.
Martin was first capped against Australia in 1973 along with his Aberavon team mate Clive Shell. He went on to form the back bone of the successful Welsh team of the 1970s forming a partnership with Geoff Wheel of Swansea RFC. Martin was a proficient goal kicker and his kicks often assisted Wales during this time.
In 1977 he toured New Zealand one of three players from Aberavon - outside half John Bevan and prop Clive Williams being the others. In 1980 he toured South Africa with the British Lions.
In 1979, piqued at being passed over for selection as Captain of Aberavon RFC, he briefly joined Llanelli RFC on a pre-season tour to South Africa before having a change of heart and returning to his former club. He never played a home game for Llanelli. Martin played a short spell for Penarth RFC prior to retiring.
Following his retirement from playing he had a brief, and unsuccessful, spell as coach at Aberavon RFC, ultimately being sacked after a string of poor results.